Saturday, July 5, 7pm — FREE!

Come out and join us on the front lawn of the historic Deepwells Mansion in Saint James this 4th of July Weekend for the outdoor concert of the summer. You’ll be entertained by some of the region’s finest singer-songwriters. Read all about it here! |  Map to Deepwells |  Questions? Email Us

Sometimes a song just seems to be meant for a moment. This week, John Preddice and Krista March told the gathering at the mansion they were getting married and expecting — and then sang the perfect love song as they leave leave the gate into a brand new life. Bravo and Congrats! Tonight’s lineup also includes Frankie Hart, Rick Trento, Cole Verderber, Tim Dillon with Hank Stone, and Patrick Berlinquette with Matt Romanelli.

Gregory Douglass’ passionate amalgamation of contemporary folk, pop, and rock has been compared to Tori Amos, Jeff Buckley and Patty Griffin. With six critically acclaimed, independent CDs under his belt, the 27-year old Vermont native evokes the songwriting skills of an “old soul” and “the voice of an angel” (Seven Days). Douglass’ numerous accolades include being a finalist for both the 2005 International Songwriting Competition and 2004 Independent Music Awards; and winner of the 2003 GrammyFest in New York City, as well as being the inaugural performer on the American Red Cross 2003 “Save A Life Tour.” Douglass has toured with They Might Be Giants, and has shared the stage with India Arie, Melissa Ferrick, Jason Mraz, and Catie Curtis to name a few. Instinct Magazine says that Douglass’ sixth and newest album Up & Away “channels everyone from Stevie Wonder to Fiona Apple in a way that’s terrifyingly mature for someone so young.” For more go to www.myspace.com/gregorydouglass.

Songwriting is serious business. So to keep things from getting too heavy, Dave injected a bit of useless trivia into the evening - much to the enjoyment of our “hungry-for-useless-trivia” audience. Somewhere in between baseball facts and key moments in US History, we heard a truly tasty set from Rob Kurtz with Tom Meyer, Ryan Schilling, Craig Shay, Martini Graden, Mikey Way, Mike Jason and Martha Trachtenberg. Here’s hoping the experience is as expansive for you as it was for us. Enjoy!

Known for lending his guitar skills to several touring and recording acts including the Jonah Smith Band, New York Ska-Jazz Ensemble and Les Nubians among others (see below), Andy Stack shows that there is much more to him than his spunky guitar playing on his new EP “Don’t Stop”. Recorded with long-time collaborator Jesse Kolber in a home studio in upstate NY, Andy showcases his talents as a singer/songwriter and multi-istrumentalist on this new collection of 5 new tracks. Andy plays most of the instruments on the record but left room for a few notable guests here and there including drummer Matt Johnson (Jeff Buckley, Rufus Wainwright), singer/songwriter/pianist Jonah Smith on piano, Thad Debrock (Ari Hest, Spring Awakening) on electric guitar, and fellow singer/songwriter friends Jesse kolber, Greg Fine and Maryanne Marino singing background vocals. For more go to www.myspace.com/andystack.

Question: what do you do when it’s 90 degrees, the AC unit’s on the fritz, and you have 80 people in a room? Answer: put on the show WITHOUT lights! Listen in for a truly moody mix with L’agelo Mysterioso, Edwina, Richard Cashman, Cory Balsamo, Cole Verderber, Hank Stone and Tom Griffith. (BONUS: if you turn out your lights, you’ll feel like you’re right there at the mansion with us.)

Andy Shelton flew into New York just to play for Acoustic Long Island, and boy, his arms are tired (his joke, not ours, I swear). He’s yet another amazing artist we’ve had from Utah (the others are Stephanie Smith and Deborah Fotheringham) — arriving here with a guitar case full of stories and a voice that is simply perfect.

Shelton’s percussive acoustic jazz/folk style is well complimented by his “Unique, strong voice” (Taxi.com) and award winning story-like lyrics (lyricawards.com). This 2007 Best of State Nominee has also received an honorable mention in the 12th annual Billboard Songwriting Contest, 1st place awards on www.LyricAwards.com and www.comp10.com, and recent Honor Award in the 7th Annual Great American Song Contest. As a solo artist, Andy has made concert appearances on Fox 13`s Good Day Utah, “B all over with Michael B” on KJAZZ 14, channel 4`s Good Things Utah where he placed 2nd in the `Utah`s Next` competition, and The NuSkin World of Ice venue at the 2002 Winter Olympics. His music has been featured on the television programs “Not on the First Date”and “Mountain Views”. This last Feburary, his current project entitled “Up On Market Street” was release to rave reviews from the local press. Event News Weekly calls his music “…Possibly the best written in the state.” And Mike Rosskelly of Rosskelly Sound says “It’s the best CD I’ve heard all year” For more go to www.andyshelton.com.

The french doors out to the back porch are open, the trees are full, and the music is cool and tasty like an umbrella drink at the pool. Check out the amazing variety of sounds we’ve got tonight to start off your summer listening — with Dave Dircks, The Reinharts, Tom Meyer, Bob K, Richard Cashman, Rob Kurtz, Frankie Harte with Cory Balsamo, Don Olsen and the-pineapple-slice-in-our-pina-colada, Martha Trachtenberg.

David Celia dashed on to the Acoustic Long Island stage just 10 minutes before his set, driving all the way from Toronto non-stop (except a side trip to pick up his guitar!). Whew! Definitely our closest call yet — but man, was it worth the wait. A world class musician who has played for audiences all over the Europe, U.S.A. and Canada, Celia’s music has been described as “roots-rock with hints of folk wrapped up in a pop package”. Flawless 3 and 4 part harmonies are usually the first thing that audiences are drawn to in the live set but ultimately it’s the songwriting that gives the music a timeless feel. David has received plenty of radio play on CBC Radio in Canada as well as on the BBC in the UK, featured “live in studio” recently on Radio2’s highly regarded Bob Harris Show. In July ‘07, David played Canada’s historic Mariposa Festival(before Gordon Lightfoot). He also recently played Larmertree Festival in Wiltshire, England and Blue Balls Festival in Lucerne opening for Elvis Costello and Badly Drawn Boy. Find out more at myspace.com/davidcelia. ALI factoid: Celia is our very first performer to bring a kazoo on stage, and incredibly, plays it like a serious instrument. Bravo!

Sure, it was the “Battle of the Davids” on Fox tonight, but Long Island’s true music lovers still came out to cheer on their local favorites — and prove that an intimate musical gathering in a turn-of-the-century mansion can be just as entertaining - or better - than the coronation of a new pop king. Listen in to LI’s own idols: L’angelo Mysterioso (with John), Edwina and her marimba, newcomer Matt Dorrien all the way from California, Hank Stone, and Martha Trachtenberg. Enjoy!

Get ready for a singular event: Richard Cashman’s stream-of-consciousness Beatles rock opera! It’s meandering, hilarious, and actually a very nice tribute to one of the greatest bands of all time. And that’s not all - tonight you’ll be hearing from Mike Maclain, Jen Morrison, Hank Stone, Jean-Paul Vest (pictured here, with a new album out - congratulations!), and “The Closer,” Martha Trachtenberg. Enjoy!

Banjo and all, we got a taste of Kentucky at the mansion, thanks to Michael Johnathon. Though he spent his early years on Long Island, Michael settled into Kentucky where he traveled up and down the hollers of the Appalachian mountains knocking on doors and learning the music of the mountain people. He experienced hundreds of front porch hootenannies throughout Appalachia where folks would pull out their banjos and fiddles, sit on their front porches with him and play the old songs that their grandparents taught them. And so, it was there that he created and to this day hosts the Woodsongs Old Time Radio Hour, with a worldwide radio audience approaching a million listeners each week. Billboard Magazine headlined him as an “UnSung Hero.” He has been featured on CNN, TNN, CMT, AP, Headline News, NPR, Bravo and the BBC. For more, go to www.michaeljohnathon.com.

It was just Jesse and his guitar on the stage, but the mansion was filled with the incredible, toe-tapping sounds of this rising star from Boston. Within a year of graduating Berklee College of Music, Jesse had sold out venues across the Northeast including the Paradise Lounge, The Bitter End and World Cafe Live, and done a live performance for 1.5 million listeners on Chicago’s KISSFM. Jesse’s material reflects his powerful and innate ability to relate his own life to the lives of those around him, creating an unusually personal experience for his listeners. With the recent release of his first album, Jesse’s writing is innovative, honest, and ready to be heard. Find out more at www.jesseruben.com.

We love it when listeners from around the world come to visit us at the mansion. Tonight it was Brazil’s turn. We had fun playing host to four Brazilian fans of the podcast and learning a little about the place they call home. And thanks to Edwina, who provided an incredible ryhthmic feast for the ears, we all felt a little more Brazilian by night’s end. Also on stage was Dave Dircks, L’Angelo Mysterioso (alias Schwartz), Cory Balsamo, Jake Incao, Hank Stone, Paul Matthews and Martha Trachtenberg.

Ahh, the telltale signs of spring - trees starting to bud, birds building nests, and folks hanging out on the porch at the mansion for a cool breeze with their live music! Add a featured artist like Tom Chapin, and you’ve got the recipe for a perfect Wednesday night in springtime. Tonight’s line-up: Dave Dircks, Bridget Angelique with Eric Bry, Jordan Rothstein, Jeff Bragman, Spencer, Ron Renninger, Caitlyn Amanda with Henry Diaz, Cole Verderber, Tim Dillon and Martha Trachtenberg. Enjoy.

Annie Lynch and the Beekeepers are a Boston-based, acoustic alternative folk group comprised of artists from a variety of musical backgrounds. While the songs performed by the quartet originated as Annie’s folk tunes, the music has evolved and expanded with rich arrangements for upright bass, cello, mandolin, banjo, accordion, and the occasional saw solo. Annie Lynch and the Beekeepers perform strong, passionate and, most importantly, honest music with poetic lyrical content and unique layered harmonies. Find out more at www.myspace.com/annielynch.

Sometimes as the evening unfolds at the mansion, a theme will develop - or in this case, a sharp contrast. On the one hand, we had Lois Morton at her classic best, singing a love song to “stuff” that she can’t let go of. On the other hand, we had Jarrett Krentzel, who let go of it ALL for a summer hike through the entire Appalachian Trail. So whether you’re letting go or holding on, listen in for something just for you. Tonight’s lineup: Dave Dircks, Charlie Bell, Martini Garden, Cory Balsamo, Hank Stone, Lois Morton, Antonio DiMarco, L’Angelo Mysterioso and Martha Trachtenberg. Also, check out Jarett’s memior of his experiences on the trail in his new book, Walking With Pacence.

Yes! Andrew White, after a beautiful violin accompaniment with Martha and Tom on “I Choose You,” reached into his pocket, pulled out a ring, and said “I Choose You” to Sue Opisso. Crazy applause. Crazy tears. And an absolute “YES!” from Sue. Wait till you hear it on the podcast - a total celebration of love and music. And of course, Dave now wonders when the first Acoustic Long Island Baby will come (hopefully not right on stage!). Now, though this incredible moment was the centerpiece of the evening, there were also many other treats: L’Angelo Mysterioso, Edwina, Cole Verderber, Turtlehead, Richard Cashman, Eddie West, Jeff Jacobs, and Claudia Jacobs. Enjoy.

See if you can spot tonight’s theme: after Estelle Henrich’s genius juxtaposition of two, um, sensitive words, the rest of the night became a tribute to the many colorful phrases using it in popular culture. But of course, that was just a backdrop to another fantastic set of music featuring — Dave Dircks, Kevin Barry, Martini Garden, Hank Stone, Pedro Pereira with Andrew White, Michael Termini, Cory Balsamo, Phil Minissale, Michael Pernice and Martha Trachtenberg.

Born out of the ashes of romantic tragedy, this LI based ensemble brings an honest, heartfelt message of love, life and laughter to each performance. The talented brother-sister duo of Dave and Krista March, with musical journeyman Jonathan Preddice, combine to bring a unique texture of harmony and song. After adding young phenom Rob Caniglia on percussion, and the talented Leanne Preddice on the violin, the ensemble has expanded its horizons to both acoustic and/or full band performance setup. Miles to Dayton will leave a lasting impression on your ears, relying on quality musicianship along with a melody that will carry you back to the next show. With the successful release of their albums A Long Way Back (2005) and Rise (2007), the band has developed a strong regional following. Find out more at www.milestodayton.net.

Dave nailed it tonight - saying that for a great open mic, you’ve got to have a “perfect storm” of things come together: great songwriting, performing skills, the guts to get up there, and you’ve got to string them all together for a whole hour. And these artists sure pulled it off tonight! Listen in to Rich Lamiroult, The Accepted Time, Michael Korb, The John Sullivan Brigade, Cory Balsamo, Sebastian Bakalski, Jean-Paul Vest, Don Olsen, Karla Sammut with Christian Lavelle, Martha Trachtenberg and Tom Griffith.

Stevie Wonder defined soul music as being something that comes from deep within the artist, not specifically R&B music, but music that is deeply rooted in the heart and mind of the artist. Jen Kearney’s music and talents are exactly that. Her lyrics trigger deep emotional shots sparked by a deep and passionate voice. Regardless of the medium or its rules, Jen Kearney has a firm grasp on the true principle of musicianship: that music is an ocean of culture expressed through sound and knows no boundaries. She is not afraid to dive into any music that catches her attention. She wants to know about its culture and meaning, she wants to live it, breathe it and experience it as if it was her own. This explains her ability to easily apply Latin, R & B, rock, jazz, reggae, blues and funk influences into her music, which is ever expanding into other realms. We can only expect her music and fan base to grow and reach into all parts of the community. Reviews: “…Kearney Square’s debut CD shows that these soulful retro rockers have thoroughly absorbed their influences. ‘On Fire’, in a word, smokes. Jen Kearney’s deep voice, is a powerful instrument…” Lexi-The Noise-December 1999 “…Singer Kearney has a deep, powerful voice well suited for the blues of ‘hell and heaven’ and ‘feeling good today’, but she can also push it into overdrive for heavier tunes like the Kashmir-esque title track, ‘On Fire’…” Pat Burtis-Northeast Performer-April 2000. Find out more at www.jenkearney.com.